Most bass guitars have between 20 and 24 frets, depending on model and player needs.

I’ve spent decades playing, repairing, and writing about bass guitars, and I’ll walk you through exactly how many frets on a bass guitar you’re likely to see, why the numbers matter, and how to pick the right fret count for your style. This guide combines hands-on experience, practical tips, and clear explanations so you can understand fret counts quickly and make confident gear choices.

Standard fret counts and what they mean

Bass guitars most commonly come with 20, 21, 22, or 24 frets. The classic 4-string bass often has 20 frets. Many modern basses, especially those aimed at soloing and extended range, have 24 frets. Some vintage and budget models use 21 or 22 frets as a compromise between range and neck feel.

Why fret number matters:

• It defines the usable pitch range above open strings.
• It changes the highest notes you can reach without shifting position.
• It affects neck length and finger access near the body.

If you wonder how many frets on a bass guitar will suit your play, think about whether you need extreme high notes or prefer the traditional feel of fewer frets. My experience: players who need melodic solos or active metal tones favor 24 frets, while groove and pocket players often prefer 20 frets for comfort and tone.

Scale length and its relation to frets

Scale length is the distance from nut to bridge and influences string tension and fret spacing. Common scale lengths are 34 inches (standard), 35 inches (for extended-range 5-strings), and 30 inches (short scale). Scale length and fret count work together to shape playability.

Key points:

• Longer scale length gives more tension and clearer low notes, but slightly wider fret spacing.
• Short scale basses can feel easier for small hands, even with the same fret count.
• How many frets on a bass guitar interacts with scale length to impact reach and tone.

I’ve played a short scale 24-fret bass and a standard 20-fret bass. The short scale felt easier for fast runs, while the longer scale gave tighter low end. Choose both scale length and fret count with your hands and music in mind.

Types of basses and typical fret counts

Various bass types have different common fret counts. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 4-string electric bass: typically 20 or 21 frets; many modern models use 20 or 24.
• 5-string electric bass: often 24 frets to take advantage of low B and more upper range.
• 6-string bass: usually 24 frets to support the extended range.
• Fretless bass: technically has no frets; many fretless conversions use necks originally designed for 20–24 frets.

How many frets on a bass guitar depends on the model and intended use. For example, jazz and session players may prefer a 20-fret tone and feel, while metal and fusion players often choose 24 frets for soloing freedom.

How fret count affects tone and playability

Fret count influences tone, feel, and technique. More frets let you play higher notes without shifting, but they can change neck balance and access near the body. Fewer frets can yield different tonal characteristics because of bridge position and neck pickup placement.

Practical effects:

• Higher frets mean more note access for solos and harmonics.
• Fewer frets can mean thicker tone due to pickup and bridge placement.
• How many frets on a bass guitar can subtly alter your playing posture and hand position.

From my experience, switching from a 20-fret to a 24-fret bass opened new melodic options. But I also lost a bit of the tight vibe I loved from the 20-fret setup. That trade-off is common.

Choosing the right fret count for your style

Match fret count to your goals. Ask simple questions:

• Do you need high solo notes? Then favor 24 frets.
• Do you value classic tone and feel? Lean toward 20 frets.
• Are you playing low tunings or extended-range music? Consider 24 frets and longer scale.

Practical selection steps:

• Try both 20- and 24-fret basses in a store to feel the difference.
• Rent or borrow a 24-fret bass before buying if you only know 20-fret feel.
• Consider scale length alongside how many frets on a bass guitar.

A tip from my gig years: if you only play root notes and grooves, don’t chase extra frets. If you want to solo more, test 24 frets live before committing.

Modifying frets and converting fret setups

You can refret, add fret markers, or convert to fretless. However, adding frets beyond the original design is complex and costly. Luthiers can extend necks, but doing so can change scale length and intonation.

What’s realistic:

• Refretting restores worn frets or changes fretwire size.
• Converting to fretless removes frets and adds a smooth fingerboard surface.
• Adding extra frets typically means a new neck or major surgery by a skilled luthier.

I once commissioned a refret to upgrade fretwire. It revived the action and tone. But when a friend asked to add frets, we found replacement necks were far easier and cheaper than invasive mods.

Maintenance tips related to fret count

Fret care is similar across fret counts, but access near the body can be tricky on 24-fret models. Keep frets clean, check for wear, and polish lightly. Proper setup ensures intonation across all frets.

Simple maintenance routine:

• Wipe strings and frets after each use to prevent grime.
• Check for fret wear at common fretting positions.
• Get a pro setup if you change string gauge or scale tuning.

Regular care keeps any bass—20, 22, or 24 frets—playing and sounding its best.

Frequently Asked Questions of how many frets on a bass guitar

How many frets on a bass guitar are standard for a 4-string?

Most 4-string basses have 20 frets as a classic standard, though many modern models use 21, 22, or 24 frets for extra range.

Do more frets make a bass better?

More frets increase upper range and solo options but do not inherently make a bass better. It depends on your style and needs.

How many frets on a bass guitar does a 5-string usually have?

Many 5-string basses come with 24 frets to give both low B access and higher melodic range.

Can I add frets to my bass to get more notes?

Adding frets is usually impractical; replacing the neck or buying a different bass is the common solution. A skilled luthier can explain feasible options.

How many frets on a bass guitar does a fretless bass have?

A fretless bass has no frets, though its fingerboard typically aligns with fret positions from a comparable fretted model for reference.

Conclusion

Understanding how many frets on a bass guitar helps you match gear to your music and hands. Whether you choose a classic 20-fret neck for feel or a 24-fret neck for range, pick the instrument that supports your sound and technique. Try both options, think about scale length, and play several models before deciding. Ready to find the right bass? Try a 20- and a 24-fret model back-to-back, or leave a comment with your playing style and I’ll help you choose.